Are there snow fleas in Indiana? What to find out about springtails

Snowy situations and chilly climate might reveal springtails, historic arthropods sometimes discovered on snow piles through the winter.

The tiny “bugs” are identified for his or her haphazard leaping, which has earned them the nickname “snow flea,” however don’t be concerned — they will not chunk or make you itch.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services shared a video on Facebook exhibiting springtails bouncing round in eastern Massachusetts.

“These tiny, bouncing specks you see hopping across the snow are springtails, ancient little arthropods that have been around since before dinosaurs were a thing,” the U.S. FWS stated. “They present up on snow as a result of chilly temperatures sluggish them down simply sufficient for us to notice their chaotic parkour routine.”

Though one would assume the millimeters-long arthropods would succumb to freezing temperatures like most bugs do, springtails produce an antifreeze protein that permits them to thrive through the winter, in response to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the bugs may also be present in Indiana. Snow fleas, nonetheless, are innocent bugs and don’t chunk or unfold ailments. They spend their days leaping and consuming microscopic meals.

Here’s extra on springtails.

What does a springtail appear like? The energetic ‘snow flea’

Snow fleas — or Hypogastruna nivicola of the order Collembola — are 4-10 millimeters lengthy and have a 4-6 section physique with two anntenae and 6 legs.

They are flightless, although they will soar shortly, particularly when disturbed or threatened, in response to Griffin Pest Solutions. Their appearances might range from whitish to grey or black, and they’re typically confused with fleas, however are a totally totally different species.

What makes snow fleas soar?

To soar, springtails use a fork-shaped appendage, known as the furcula positioned beneath their physique, as a spring. They additionally use one other appendage, known as the collophore, to land.

Their actions might seem chaotic, however a 2022 study by The University of Maine confirmed springtails can goal and stick a touchdown with accuracy.

“Turns out, those funny appendages make springtails into nature’s precision strike missiles,” the University’s examine stated. “Springtails use the furcula to their body angle and the speed during takeoff, as well as the angle of the body posture in midair. Then, they use the water-loving properties of their collophore to achieve a near-perfect landing, touching down on their undersides nearly 85% of the time and anchoring to avoid bouncing.”

What do springtails eat?

Springtails eat microscopic algae, micro organism, fungi or different decaying plant matter, in response to MSU’s Plant and Pest Diagnostics. They are innocent to people (though they might be a nuisance if discovered indoors), and so they assist decompose natural materials.

What is the distinction between a flea and a springtail?

A primary distinction between fleas and springtail is their physique form.

Springtails have rounded, soft bodies, whereas fleas have our bodies with flattened sides. Fleas are hard-shelled, making it troublesome to kill them, in response to the University of Minnesota’s Extension. In addition, fleas chunk whereas springtails do not.

Approximately 700 different species of springtails dwell in North America, in response to MSU.

Why do snow fleas seem in winter?

Snow fleas develop into extra noticeable in melting snow in late winter or throughout a heat spell as they transfer up by means of snow and hop round consuming, in response to the University of Minnesota. They are current all year long and could be present in soil or across the base of timber.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@Lsj.com. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.